Overall description / Legal basis

It is a public service inside the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA) of National Health Service, based on the laws that regulate all health activities.

Performances that respect Evidence Based Medicine are all guaranteed. 

Organisation of SLT in the country

All phases of rehabilitation (intensive, estensive, of maintenance) are supplied from public services: hospitals, departments of National Health Service, Rehabilitation Centres operating within N.H.S., private offices of speech therapists.

Education / training

3 years degree corse (BAC+3, 180 CFU)

2 years higher level degree course in the area of rehabilitation (120 CFU)

Master’s degree course (60 CFU)

ECM for obligatory permanent training, with credits.

Authorisation / license / recognition of diploma

Degree certificates give qualification to profession; ECM confirms qualification every 5 years.

Recognition of professional qualifications obtained abroad

Qualifications achieved in E.U.countries are recognised according to the European Directive 89/48/CEE of 27/01/92, integrated from Dir.n°92/51/CEE

Attuata con D.L. VO n°319 del 2/5/94.

Qualifications achieved from italian citizens in non E.U. countries are recognised according to the Law 752 dell’8/11/94.

Status of the profession and the professional

N.H.S. employees are regulated by the national collective (labour) agreement, renewed every 4 years. Same thing for employees of centres operating within the N.H.S.

There are forward contracts for the realization of projects and for professional collaborations.

Professional association(s)

FLI: Federation of Regional Association.

Further information / Useful links

Author / reference